Apparatus for recording exercise data of a weight-stack machine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to measure exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a weight-stack machine. The measurement unit includes a plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor is configured to detect presence of a nearby object. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units is coupled to one of the plurality of weight plates in the weight-stack machine. When the person selects an amount of weights to exercise, presence of a selection means is detected by the proximity sensor in one of the plurality of sub-measurement units and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights with which the person exercises.

This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 14/702,799, filed May 4, 2015.

I. FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus for recording exercise data of a weight-stack machine.

II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

In modern society, a person is more and more conscious of her health. To improve or maintain health, the person may choose to go to a health club for a workout. The workout may include running on a treadmill and lifting weights on a weight-stack machine. To keep track of performance over time and determine exercise progress, the person desires to record and analyze exercise data. For example, the person, for each type of weightlifting exercises, wants to record amounts of weights she exercises, numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between any two of consecutive sets, and specific settings such as seat heights and orientations adopted on adjustable machines. As another example, the person wants to collect exercise data, including heart rates, time, distances, speeds, and resistance levels when the person runs on a treadmill.

To reduce manual inputting and recording of data associated with the person, the machine on which the person exercises, and the exercise, and thus accurately and timely analyze exercise progress, fitness industry is developing more and more products which are capable of automatically inputting and recording data.

To automate data inputting and recording in a conventional weight-stack machine, the weight-stack machine must be upgraded to include a measurement unit (e.g., a load cell, an acceleration transducer, or both), a processor (e.g., a microcontroller), a memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM) such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM)), a signal receiving device (e.g., a short range wireless communication device such as a Bluetooth networking device), and a communication device (e.g., a local area wireless networking device such as a Wi-Fi device). However, this upgrading is cost prohibitive since the total amount of weights which may be used during an exercise could be very large and, accordingly, the cost of the load cell which is capable of measuring the corresponding amount of weights would be expensive. In addition, addition of the load cell to the weight-stack machine would require substantial change of the existing mechanical structure of the weight-stack machine.

III. SUMMARY

This disclosure presents particular embodiments of an apparatus that is configurable to measure exercise data (e.g., amounts of weights that a person lifts) as a result of an exercise (e.g., weight-lifting) performed by a person on a weight-stack machine (e.g., a weight-lifting machine). Thus, the exercise data can be automatically recorded.

In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement unit configured to measure the exercise data. The measurement unit includes a plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units includes a proximity sensor configured to detect presence of a nearby object. The proximity sensor includes an emitter (e.g., an infrared light emitter) and a receiver (e.g., an infrared light receiver). The emitter produces radiation (e.g., infrared light) which is to be detected by the receiver. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units is uniquely coupled to one of a plurality of transversal holes in a stem of the weight-stack machine through which the person applies force during an exercise. When the person selects an amount of weights to exercise by inserting a selection pin into a transversal channel which is formed by a transversal hole of a weight plate and one of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem, optical path of the radiation produced by the emitter coupled to the transversal hole of the stem is blocked. As a result, the coupled receiver is not able to detect the radiation. Accordingly, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights with which the person exercises.

In another particular embodiment, an exercise data recording system includes a signal receiving device (e.g., a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, or an IEEE 802.15.4 device) which is configured to receive signals (e.g., ID No. of the person who exercises) from a signal detection device (e.g., a ring incorporating a RFID reader and a Bluetooth device or an IEEE 802.15.4) which detects the signals from a signal transmission device (e.g., a wristband that houses a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a smart phone). The exercise data recording system also includes a measurement unit (e.g., a plurality of proximity sensors, an accelerometer, or both) which is configured to measure exercise data (e.g., amounts of weights that the person lifts on a weight-stack machine, numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two of consecutive sets). The exercise data recording system also includes a memory which is configured to store information associated with the weight-stack machine (e.g., ID of the weight-stack machine), the signals received from the signal detection device, and the exercise data. The exercise data recording system further includes a processor (e.g., a microcontroller) that is configured to process the signals transmitted from the signal receiving device, the exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine. The exercise data recording system finally includes a communication device (e.g., a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or an Ethernet device) that is configured to transmit the signals from the signal receiving device, the information associated with the weight-stack machine, and the exercise data to a server, a device, or both for storage, analysis, or both.

In another particular embodiment, a method includes inserting a selection pin into one of a plurality of transversal channels, formed by the transversal hole in a weight plate and one of a plurality of transversal holes in a stem of a weight-stack machine, to select a certain amount of weights with which a person is to exercise. The method also includes performing an exercise (e.g., weight-lifting) on the weight-stack machine such that a desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem. The amount of weights is measured by a measurement unit. The measurement unit includes a plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units includes an emitter (e.g., an infrared emitter) and a receiver (e.g., an infrared receiver). Each of the plurality of transversal holes in the bar is coupled to one of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of emitters produces radiation (e.g., infrared light) which travels across the coupled traversal hole in the bar and is to be detected by the coupled receiver. When the person exercises, optical path of the radiation produced by the emitter corresponding to the traversal hole in the bar into which the selection pin was inserted is blocked. As a result, the coupled receiver is not able to detect the radiation and. Accordingly, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights on which the person exercises.

One particular advantage provided by at least one of the disclosed embodiments is that the apparatus includes a plurality of proximity sensors rather than a conventional load cell. Since the cost of the conventional load cell capable of measuring the maximum amount of weights of a weight-stack machine could be very expensive, and the costs of the plurality of proximity sensors are comparatively low, a large amount of money would be saved.

Another particular advantage provided by at least one of the disclosed embodiments is that automation of data recording in a weight-stack machine only requires installment of a plurality of proximity sensors in the stem of the weight-stack machine. Thus, substantial change of the existing mechanical structure of the weight-stack machine is avoided.

Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of an exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a weight-stack machine;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of the measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a weight-stack machine;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a particular embodiment of a sub-measurement unit of the measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a weight-stack machine;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a particular embodiment of a circuit portion of the measurement unit in the exercise data recording system of a weight-stack machine; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a particular embodiment of a method of recording exercise data in a weight-stack machine.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to an exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine (e.g., a weightlifting machine). Prior to preforming an exercise (i.e., in an exercise posture), identification information (e.g., ID No.) of a person who is about to exercise may be automatically detected by the exercise data recording system. When the person exercises, exercise data (e.g., amounts of weights lifted, numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets) may be automatically recorded. The exercise data, identification information of the person who exercises, and identification information of the weight-stack machine may be sent to and stored in a server, a device (e.g., a smart phone), or both, and retrieved for future analysis.

Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of a particular embodiment of an exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine is disclosed and generally designated 100. In FIG. 1, for purpose of illustration, the exercise data recording system 100, in a weight-stack machine 101, may include a signal receiving device 102, a measurement unit 103, a processor 104, a memory 105, and a communication device 106. The signal receiving device 102 may receive signals (e.g., ID No. of a person who exercises) from a signal transmission device (e.g., a wristband that houses a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, or a smart phone) or a signal detection device (e.g., a ring incorporating a RFID reader and a Bluetooth device), and transmit the signals to the processor 104. The measurement unit 103 may measure exercise data (e.g., amounts of weights with which the person exercises) and transmit the exercise data to the processor 104. The processor 104 may process the signals from the signal receiving device 102, the exercise data from the measurement unit 103, and the information about the weight-stack machine 101 retrieved from the memory 105. The processor 104 may store the processed data in the memory 105, transmit the processed data to the communication device 106, or both. The communication device 106 may transmit the processed data to a server, a device (e.g., a smart phone), or both for storage, further analysis, or both. Alternatively, the exercise data recording system 100 may include any combination of the devices 102-106. For example, the exercise data recording system 100 only includes the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication device 106. Therefore, the exercise data recording system 100 is capable of automatically identifying the person who exercises, recording the exercise data the person performs on the weight-stack machine 101, storing the exercise data on the server, and retrieving the exercise data for analysis.

The signal receiving device 102 may be configured to receive signals detected and transmitted by a signal detection device. The signal receiving device 102 may include a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular networking device. The signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) of the person who exercises. The signals may also represent information (e.g., ID No.) of the weight-stack machine 101.

It should be noted that the signal receiving device 102 may also, in the alternative, be configured to directly receive signals from a portable device (e.g., a smart phone with a Bluetooth device and a camera) that is carried on by the person during the exercise. For example, when the person is in an exercise posture, the signal receiving device 102 may receive the signals from the smart phone carried on by the person, and the identification information of the person may thus be identified.

The signal detection device may be configured to detect signals transmitted by a signal transmission device. The signal detection device may include a proximity coupling device, such as a RFID reader. The signal detection device may also include a mechanism that may be configured to transmit the signals the signal detection device has detected to the signal receiving device 102. The mechanism may be a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular networking device. The signal detection device may be placed in the weight-stack machine 101 in any form. For example, the signal detection device is directly attached to the weight-stack machine 101. As another example, the signal detection device is located within a container (e.g., a ring) that is attached to the weight-stack machine 101. The signal detection device may be positioned in any location in the weight-stack machine 101 so that, when the person is in an exercise posture, the signal detection device is capable of detecting the signals from the signal transmission device. For example, if the person is going to perform a weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting machine, the person first needs to hold a handle to which the person will apply force. At that moment, the signal detection device will detect the signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. As a result, the weightlifting machine will identify the person and later record the exercise data under the person's name since the signals represent the identification information of the person.

The signal transmission device may be configured to transmit signals that may be detected by the signal detection device in a weight-stack machine 101 when a person is going to exercise on the weight-stack machine 101. The signal transmission device may include any device that may transmit signals to the signal detection device. As an example, the signal transmission device includes a proximity integrated circuit card, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The signal transmission device may be located within a container. Examples of the container include a wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a necklace, a device (e.g., a smart phone), another type of container, or any combination thereof. The container may be worn or carried on by the person who exercises. The signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) uniquely associated with the person.

The measurement unit 103 may be configured to measure exercise data. In a weight-stack machine 101, the measurement unit 103 may include a plurality of devices configured to measure a plurality of types of data. For example, the measurement unit 103 includes a device configured to measure amounts of weights with which a person exercises on the weight-stack machine 101. The device which measures the amounts of weights will be described in details in following figures and paragraphs. As another example, the measurement unit 103 includes an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person exercises, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets. As a further example, the measurement unit 103 includes sensors to measure seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on an adjustable weight-stack machine 101.

It should be noted that the location of the measurement unit 103 designated in FIG. 1 is exemplary. The plurality of devices of the measurement unit 103 may be positioned in different locations of the weight-stack machine 101. For example, the device which measures the amounts of weights is positioned within the stem 107 of the weight-stack machine 101. As another example, the accelerometer is positioned in the location 103 designated in FIG. 1. As a further example, the sensors to measure seat heights or orientations are positioned within seats on which the person sits when the person exercises.

The processor 104 may be configured to process the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device 102 receives from the signal detection device, and information associated with the weight-stack machine 101 (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine 101). Processing the exercise data may include producing derivative exercise data. For example, the processor 104 processes the signals from the signal receiving device 102, the exercise data from the measurement unit 103, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101 such that the exercise data would uniquely correspond to the person who exercises on the weight-stack machine 101.

The processor 104 may further be configured to send the exercise data, the signals, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101 to the memory 105 for storage, the communication device 106 for transmission, or both. The processor 104 may include a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), hardware or software control logic, another type of device, or any combination thereof.

The memory 105 may be configured to store the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device 102 received from the signal detection device, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101. The memory 105 may include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or any combination thereof. The volatile memory may include a random access memory (RAM), such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The non-volatile memory may include a hard disk, a flash memory, a tape, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a read-only memory, a cache-base memory, a register-based memory, a tangible non-transitory memory, another type of memory, or any combination thereof. The memory 105 may be a separate unit or integrated into the processor 104.

The communication device 106 may be configured to transmit the exercise data, the signals that the signal receiving device 102 received from the signal detection device, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101 to a server, a device, or both. The communication device 106 may include a local area wireless networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device.

It should be noted that the signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication device 106 may be integrated into one device. Alternatively, the signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication device 106 may be a combination of separate devices. The signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication device 106 may be positioned in one location of the weight-stack machine 101, such as on the plate 108 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, and the communication device 106 may be positioned in different locations of the weight-stack machine 101.

The server may be configured to receive the data (e.g., the exercise data, the identification information of the person, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine 101) from the communication device 106, store them in a memory, and perform services upon request. For example, the server provides services on a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal located in a health club, a smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request may include retrieving the exercise data of a person or performing an analysis on the exercise data.

The device that is used to send the request for retrieving the exercise data or performing an analysis on the exercise data may include a personal digital assistant (PDA), a phone, a computing device, another type of device, or any combination thereof. The phone may include a wireless telephone or a smart phone. The computing device may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, or a smartbook computer. The network through which the request is sent may be any network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, or any combination thereof.

In operation, when a person is going to exercise on a weight-stack machine 101 (e.g., a weightlifting machine), the person wears or carries on a signal transmission device. When the person is in an exercise posture in the weight-stack machine 101, the signal transmission device may transmit signals that may be detected by a signal detection device in the weight-stack machine 101. The signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) uniquely associated with the person who exercises. For example, if the person performs a weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting machine, the person first needs to hold a handle. At that moment, the signal detection device may detect the signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. As a result, the weight-stack machine 101 may identify the person and track exercise data under the person's name since the signals represent the identification information of the person.

The signal detection device may transmit the signals that the signal detection device has detected to a signal receiving device 102. When the person starts to exercise, a measurement unit 103 may measure exercise data. The exercise data may include amounts of weights with which the person exercises on the weight-stack machine 101, numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets, and specific settings. The specific settings may include seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on an adjustable weight-stack machine 101.

A processor 104 may process the exercise data, the signals that the signal receiving device 102 received from the signal detection device, and information associated with the weight-stack machine 101 (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine 101). The processor 104 may also store them in a memory 105. The processor 104 may further send them to a communication device 106 for transmission. It should be noted that the signal receiving device 102 and the communication device 106 may be integrated into one device.

The server may receive the data (e.g., the identification information of the person who exercises, the exercise data, and the information associated with the exercise machine) from the communication device 106, store them in a memory, and provide services on a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal, a smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request may include retrieving the exercise data, performing an analysis on the exercise data, or both.

FIG. 1 thus illustrates an exercise data recording system 100 in a weight-stack machine 101. The system 100 may include a signal receiving device 102, a measurement unit 103, a processor 104, a memory 105, and a communication device 106. The exercise data recording system 100 is capable of automatically identifying a person who exercises, recording exercise data as a result of an exercise performed by the person, storing the exercise data in a server, and retrieving for analysis. Accordingly, the exercise data recording system 100 is capable of automating data recording during an exercise without manually inputting or recording the identification information, the exercise data, or both.

FIGS. 2-5 are diagrams showing a particular embodiment of a measurement unit in an exercise data recording system of a weight-stack machine (e.g., the measurement unit 103 in the exercise data recording system 100 of the weight-stack machine 101 of FIG. 1). FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the particular embodiment of the measurement unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the particular embodiment of the measurement unit taken along a section A-A of FIG. 2. The section A-A is taken through the area that includes the diameter of the stem 206 and that is perpendicular to the plurality of transversal holes 208 of the stem 206. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of one of a plurality of sub-measurement units of the measurement unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a circuit portion of the measurement unit. The measurement unit would be described with references to FIGS. 2-5.

Referring to FIG. 2, a particular embodiment of an exercise data recording system is disclosed and generally designated 200. In an illustrative embodiment, the exercise data recording system 200 may correspond to the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1. Accordingly, the signal receiving device 201, the measurement unit 202, the processor 203, the memory 204, the communication device 205, the stem 206, the plate 207, of FIG. 2, may correspond to the signal receiving device 102, the measurement unit 103, the processor 104, the memory 105, the communication device 106, the stem 107, the plate 108, of FIG. 1, respectively.

The measurement unit 202 may be configured to measure exercise data. In a weight-stack machine (e.g., the weight-stack machine 101 of FIG. 1), the measurement unit 202 may include a plurality of devices configured to measure a plurality of types of data. For example, the measurement unit 202 includes a device configured to measure amounts of weights with which a person exercises on the weight-stack machine. As another example, the measurement unit 202 includes an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person exercises, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets. As a further example, the measurement unit 202 includes sensors to measure seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on an adjustable weight-stack machine.

It should be noted that the location of the measurement unit 202 designated in FIG. 2 is exemplary. The plurality of devices of the measurement unit 202 may be positioned in different locations of the weight-stack machine. For example, the device that measures the amounts of weights is positioned within the stem 206 of the weight-stack machine. As another example, the accelerometer is positioned in the location 202 designated in FIG. 2. As a further example, the sensors that measure seat heights or orientations are positioned within seats on which the person sits when the person exercises. For the purpose of brevity, the measurement unit 202 refers to the device which measures the amounts of weights hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3, a particular embodiment of a measurement unit of the exercise data recording system is disclosed and generally designated 300. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stem 206 taken along the section A-A of FIG. 2. In an illustrative embodiment, the stem 301 may correspond to the stem 107 of FIG. 1, and the measurement unit 300 may be implemented in the exercise data recording system 100 of FIG. 1 and the exercise data recording system 200 of FIG. 2.

The stem 301 is a device through which a person who exercises applies force. The stem 301 may include a long metal bar with a plurality of transversal holes 302. The plurality of transversals holes 302 may be evenly spaced or not evenly spaced. The stem 301 may be housed in a substantially vertical channel formed by alignment of the substantially vertical holes in a plurality of stacked weight plates (e.g., the plurality of weight plates 109 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of stacked weights may include a transversal hole (e.g., the transversal hole 110 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of transversal holes in the plurality of weight plates aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes 302 of the stem 301 when the plurality of weight plates are stacked. Accordingly, a plurality of transversal channels may be formed. When a selection pin (e.g. the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels, the weight plates including and above the weight plate which contains the transversal hole (e.g., the transversal hole 110 of FIG. 1) into which the selection pin is inserted may be attached to the stem 301 such that, when a person who exercises in the weight-stack machine applies a force, the force may correspond to the amount of the weights attached to the stem 301.

The measurement unit 300 may include a plurality of sub-measurement units 303. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may include a pair of an emitter 304 and a receiver 305. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 may be coupled to one of the plurality of transversal holes 302 in the stem 301. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of a sub-measurement unit implemented in the measurement unit of the exercise data recording system in a weight-stack machine is disclosed and designated 400. In an illustrative embodiment, the sub-measurement unit 400 may correspond to one of the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 of FIG. 3. Accordingly, the emitter 401 and the receiver 402 of FIG. 4 may correspond to the emitters 304 and receivers 305 respectively of FIG. 3.

The portion 403 is a section of the stem 301 of FIG. 3 which includes a transversal hole 404 that corresponds to one of the plurality of transversal holes 302 of FIG. 3. The emitter 401 may be positioned at the bottom of the transversal hole 404. Alternatively, the emitter 401 may be positioned at any location along the circumference of the transversal hole 404. The receiver 402 may be positioned opposite to the emitter 401 across the transversal hole 404. The emitter 401 may include an infrared light emitter, and the receiver 402 may include an infrared light receiver. As a result, the emitter 401 may produce infrared light which is to be detected by the receiver 402. Alternatively, the emitter 401 may produce another type of radiation such that the radiation may be detected by the receiver 402 which may include a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.

When a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) is not inserted into the transversal hole 404, the receiver 402 may detect the radiation produced by the emitter 401. As a result, the receiver 402 may output a first type of signal (e.g., a low transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signal). When the selection pin is inserted into the transversal hole 404, the receiver 402 may not detect the radiation produced by the emitter 401. Consequently, the receiver 402 may output a second type of signal (e.g., a high TTL signal).

Returning to FIG. 3, when a person who exercises selects a certain amount of weights to exercise, she may insert a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) into the corresponding transversal channel formed by the transversal hole in one of the plurality of weight plates and one of the plurality of transversal holes 302 in the stem 301. As a result, the receiver 305 corresponding to the transversal hole 302 in the stem 301 into which the selection pin is inserted may not detect the radiation produced by the coupled remitter 304. Accordingly, the receiver 305 may output the second type of signals. In contrast, the other receivers 305 corresponding to the transversal holes in the stem 301 into which the selection pin is not inserted may detect the radiation produced by the coupled remitters 304. Accordingly, the receivers 305 may output the first type of signals. The plurality of receivers 305 may form a circuit with some electronic devices in such a way that the circuit would produce an output indicating the amount of weights with which the person exercises. A particular embodiment of the circuit of the measurement unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a particular embodiment of a circuit portion of the measurement unit is disclosed and designated 500. In an illustrative embodiment, the circuit portion 500 may be implemented in the measurement unit 300 of FIG. 3. Accordingly, the emitters 501 may correspond to the emitters 304 of FIG. 3, and the receivers 502 may correspond to the receivers 305 of FIG. 3.

The measurement unit may include a plurality of sub-measurement units (e.g., the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 of FIG. 3). For an illustrative purpose, FIG. 5 only shows three 503-505 of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units may be coupled to another one or two of the plurality of sub-measurement units. Each of the sub-measurement units may include a proximity sensor and a mechanism (e.g., the mechanisms 506). The proximity sensor may include an emitter (e.g., the emitters 501), a receiver (e.g., the receivers 502). The mechanism may include a flip flop. Alternatively, the mechanism may include another kind of circuit which is capable to achieving the same purpose. For each of the sub-measurement units, the emitter may produce radiation (e.g., the radiation 507) which is to be detected by the coupled receiver. As a result, the receiver may output a first type of signals (e.g., low TTL signals) (e.g., the first type of signals 508). The receiver may send the first type of signals to the mechanism (e.g., the mechanisms 506 of the sub-measurement units 503 and 505). When a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal holes (e.g., the transversal hole 302 of FIG. 3) coupled to a sub-measurement unit (e.g., the sub-measurement unit 504), the radiation produced by the emitter of the sub-measurement unit may be blocked by the selection pin. As a result, the receiver may output a second type of signals (e.g., high TTL signals) (e.g., the second type of signals 509). The receiver may send the second type of signals to the corresponding mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506 of the sub-measurement unit 504). The mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506 of the sub-measurement unit 504) may also receive an input signal (e.g., the input signal 510 from the mechanism 506 of the sub-measurement unit 503) from the mechanism of the preceding coupled sub-measurement unit (e.g., the sub-measurement unit 503). The mechanism (e.g., the mechanism 506 of the sub-measurement unit 504) may then produce an output signal 511 and send it to the subsequent coupled sub-measurement unit (e.g., the sub-measurement unit 505).

It should be noted that the mechanism of the first sub-measurement unit in the circuit of the measurement unit may receive only one input, i.e., from the receiver of the first sub-measurement unit. The mechanism of the first sub-measurement unit may not receive a signal input from the mechanism of the preceding sub-measurement unit. The mechanism of the first sub-measurement unit may send an output signal to the second sub-measurement unit.

It should also be noted that the mechanism of the last sub-measurement unit in the circuit of the measurement unit may produce an output signal to a processor (e.g., the processor 104 of FIG. 1) of the exercise data recording system. The mechanism of the last sub-measurement unit may not produce an output signal to the mechanism of the subsequent sub-measurement unit. Accordingly, the output signal may represent the amount of weights with which the person exercises.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart of a particular embodiment of a method of recording exercise data in a weight-stack machine is disclosed and designated 600. The method 600 will be illustrated with references to FIGS. 1-5.

At 601, the method 600 may include inserting a selection pin (e.g., the selection pin 111 of FIG. 1) into one of a plurality of transversal channels of a weight-stack machine (e.g., the weight-stack machine 101 of FIG. 1) to select a certain amount of weights with which a person is to exercise. The weight-stack machine may include a stem (e.g., the stem 206 of FIG. 2 and the stem 301 of FIG. 3). The stem may be a device through which the person who exercises applies force. The stem may include a long metal bar with a plurality of transversal holes (e.g., the plurality of transversal holes 208 of FIG. 2 and the plurality of transversal holes 302 of FIG. 3). The plurality of transversals holes may be evenly spaced or not evenly spaced. The stem may be housed in a substantially vertical channel formed by alignment of the substantially vertical holes in a plurality of stacked weight plates (e.g., the plurality of weights 109 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of stacked weight plates may include a transversal hole (e.g., the transversal holes 110 of FIG. 1). Each of the plurality of transversal holes in the plurality of weight plates aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes of the stem when the plurality of weight plates are stacked. Accordingly, the plurality of transversal channels may be formed. When the selection pin is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels, the weight plates including and above the weight plate which contains the selected transversal hole may be attached to the stem. When the person who exercises on the weight-stack machine applies force such that the attached weight plates are lifted, the amount of the force may correspond to the amount of the weights attached to the stem.

Moving to 602, once the person is in an exercise posture, the person may perform exercises (e.g., weightlifting) on the weight-stack machine such that the desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem. Exercise data may be measured by a measurement unit (e.g., the measurement unit 103 of FIG. 1 and the measurement unit 202 of FIG. 2). The measurement unit may include a plurality of devices configured to measure a plurality of types of data. For example, the measurement unit includes a device configured to measure amounts of weights the person exercises on the weight-stack machine. As another example, the measurement unit includes an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person exercises, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between any two consecutive sets. As a further example, the measurement unit includes sensors to measure seat heights or orientations when the person exercises on an adjustable weight-stack machine.

The measurement unit may include a plurality of sub-measurement units (e.g., the plurality of sub-measurement units 303 of FIG. 3). Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units may include a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may include a pair of an emitter (e.g., the emitter 304 of FIG. 3) and a receiver (e.g., the receiver 305 of FIG. 3). Each of the plurality of sub-measurement units may be coupled to one of the plurality of transversal holes (e.g., one of the plurality of transversal holes 302 of FIG. 3) in the stem.

The emitter may be positioned at the bottom of a transversal hole of the stem. Alternatively, the emitter may be positioned at any location along the circumference of the transversal hole. The receiver may be positioned opposite to the emitter across the transversal hole. The emitter may include an infrared light emitter and the receiver may include an infrared light receiver. As a result, the emitter may produce infrared light which is to be detected by the receiver. Alternatively, the emitter may produce another type of radiation such that the radiation may be detected by the receiver which may include a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.

When the selection pin is not inserted into the transversal hole, the receiver may detect the radiation produced by the emitter. As a result, the receiver may output a first type of signals (e.g., low TTL signals). When the selection pin is inserted into the transversal hole, the receiver may not detect the radiation produced by the emitter. Consequently, the receiver may output a second type of signals (e.g., high TTL signals). The plurality of receivers may be coupled with mechanisms (e.g., flip-flops) to form a circuit in such a way that the circuit would produce an output indicating the amount of weights with which the person exercises.

A signal receiving device (e.g., the signal receiving device 102 of FIG. 1 and the signal receiving device 201 of FIG. 2) may be configured to receive signals detected and transmitted by a signal detection device. The signal receiving device may be a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular networking device. The signals may represent identification information of the person who exercises. The signals may also represent information associated with the weight-stack machine.

It should be noted that the signal receiving device may also, in the alternative, be configured to directly receive the signals from a portable device (e.g., a smart phone with a Bluetooth device and a camera) that is carried on by the person during the exercise. For example, when the person is in an exercise posture, the signal receiving device may receive the signals from the smart phone carried on by the person, and the identification information of the person may thus be identified.

The signal detection device may be configured to detect the signals transmitted by a signal transmission device. The signal detection device may include a proximity coupling device, such as a RFID reader. The signal detection device may also include a device that may be configured to transmit the signals the signal detection device has detected to the signal receiving device. The device may be a short range wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or a Cellular networking device. The signal detection device may be placed in the weight-stack machine in any form. For example, the signal detection device is directly attached to the weight-stack machine. As another example, the signal detection device is located within a container (e.g., a ring) that is attached to the weight-stack machine. The signal detection device may be positioned in any location in the weight-stack machine so that, when the person is in an exercise posture, the signal detection device is capable of detecting the signals from the signal transmission device. For example, if the person is going to perform a weightlifting exercise on a weightlifting machine, the person first needs to hold a handle to which the person will apply force. At that moment, the signal detection device will detect the signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. As a result, the weightlifting machine will identify the person and later record the exercise data under the person's name since the signals represent the identification information of the person.

The signal transmission device may be configured to transmit signals that may be detected by the signal detection device in the weight-stack machine when a person is going to exercise on the weight-stack machine. The signal transmission device may include any device that may transmit signals to the signal detection device. As an example, the signal transmission device includes a proximity integrated circuit card, such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The signal transmission device may be located within a container. Examples of the container include a wristband, a ring, a badge, a watch, a necklace, a device (e.g., a smart phone), another type of container, or any combination thereof. The container may be worn or carried on by the person who exercises. The signals may represent identification information (e.g., ID No.) uniquely associated with the person.

A processor (e.g., the processor 104 of FIG. 1 and the processor 203 of FIG. 2) may be configured to process the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received from the signal detection device, and information associated with the weight-stack machine (e.g., ID No. of the weight-stack machine). The processor may further be configured to send the exercise data, the signals, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine to a memory (e.g., the memory 105 of FIG. 1 and the memory 204 of FIG.2) for storage, a communication device (e.g., the communication device 106 of FIG. 1 and the communication device 205 of FIG. 2) for transmission, or both. The processor may include a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), hardware or software control logic, another type of device, or any combination thereof.

The memory may be configured to store the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received from the signal detection device, and the information associated with the exercise machine. The memory may include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or any combination thereof. The volatile memory may include a random access memory (RAM), such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The non-volatile memory may include a hard disk, a flash memory, a tape, a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), a read-only memory, a cache-base memory, a register-based memory, a tangible non-transitory memory, another type of memory, or any combination thereof. The memory may be a separate unit or integrated into the processor.

The communication device may be configured to transmit the exercise data, the signals the signal receiving device received from the signal detection device, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine to a server, a device, or both. The communication device may include a local area wireless networking device, such as a Wi-Fi device, or an IEEE 802.15.4 device.

It should be noted that the signal receiving device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the communication device may be integrated into one device. Alternatively, the signal receiving device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the communication device may be a combination of separate devices. The signal receiving device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the communication device may be positioned in one location of the weight-stack machine, such as on the plate 108 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the signal receiving device, the measurement unit, the processor, the memory, and the communication device may be positioned in different locations of the weight-stack machine.

The server may be configured to receive the data (e.g., the exercise data, the identification information of the person, and the information associated with the exercise machine) from the communication device, store them in a memory, and perform services upon request. For example, the server may provide services on a request directly from a device (e.g., a terminal located in a health club, a smart phone, or a laptop) via a network. The request may include retrieving the exercise data, performing an analysis on the exercise data, or both.

The device that sends the service request may include a personal digital assistant (PDA), a communication device, a computing device, another type of device, or any combination thereof. The communication device may include a wireless telephone or a smart phone. The computing device may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook computer, or a smartbook computer. The network may be any network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless network, or any combination thereof

FIG. 6 thus illustrates a method of recording exercise data in a weight-stack machine. The method may include inserting a selection pin into one of the plurality of transversal channels in the stem of the weight-stack machine. The method may also include performing an exercise on the weight-stack machine. The method is capable of automatically identifying a person who exercises, recording exercise data on the weight-stack machines, storing the exercise data in a server, and retrieving for analysis. Accordingly, the method is capable of automating data recording during an exercise without manually inputting and recording the identification information, the exercise data, or both.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope possible consistent with the principles and novel features as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a measurement unit configured to measure exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a weight-stack machine, wherein the measurement unit comprises a plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises a proximity sensor, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect presence of a nearby object, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units is coupled to one of the plurality of weight plates in the weight-stack machine, and wherein, when a person selects an amount of weights to exercise, presence of a selection means is detected by the proximity sensor in one of the plurality of sub-measurement units and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights with which the person exercises.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation that is to be detected by the receiver, wherein the first sub-measurement unit and the last sub-measurement unit are coupled to another one of the plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the other sub-measurement units is coupled to two of the plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises a mechanism, wherein the mechanism of the first sub-measurement unit is configured to receive signals as first-type input signals from output signals of the receiver of the first sub-measurement unit and to produce signals as output signals which are transmitted to the mechanism of the second sub-measurement unit, wherein the mechanism of the last sub-measurement unit is configured to receive signals as the first-type input signals from output signals of the receiver of the last sub-measurement unit and signals as second-type input signals from output signals of the mechanism of the second to the last sub-measurement unit, and to produce signals as output signals which are transmitted to a processor, and wherein the mechanism of each of the other sub-measurement units is configured to receive signals as the first-type input signals from output signals of the receiver of the sub-measurement unit and signals as the second-type input signals from output signals of the mechanism of the preceding sub-measurement unit, and to produce signals as output signals which are transmitted to the mechanism of the subsequent sub-measurement unit.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the output signals produced by the mechanism of the last sub-measurement unit comprise amounts of weights with which the person exercises on the weight-stack machine, and wherein the exercise data comprise the amounts of weights.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the emitter comprises an infrared light emitter, and wherein the receiver comprises an infrared light receiver.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.
 6. A system, comprising: a measurement unit configured to measure exercise data as a result of an exercise performed on a weight-stack machine, wherein the weight-stack machine comprises a plurality of weight plates, wherein each of the plurality of weight plates has a substantially vertical hole, wherein each of the plurality of weight plates has a transversal hole, and wherein, when the plurality of weight plates are aligned and stacked, a hollow channel is formed within the plurality of weight plates; a stem, wherein the stem is housed within the hollow channel, wherein the stem has a plurality of transversal holes, and wherein the transversal hole in each of the plurality of weight plates aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem such that a plurality of transversal channels are formed; and a selection pin, wherein, when a person who exercises on the weight-stack machine desires to exercise on a certain amount of weights, the selection pin is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels such that, when the person applies force, the desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem; wherein the measurement unit comprises a plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation that is to be detected by the receiver, wherein each of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem is coupled to one of the plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein the emitter produces radiation which travels across the coupled transversal hole in the stem and is detected by the coupled receiver, and wherein, when the person desires to exercise on a certain amount of weights such that the selection pin is inserted into one of the plurality of transversal channels, optical path of the radiation produced by the emitter corresponding to the transversal channel is blocked, the coupled receiver is not able to detect the radiation and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights with which the person exercises.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the emitter comprises an infrared light emitter, and wherein the receiver comprises an infrared light receiver.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the receiver comprises a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another type of sensor.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the emitter and the receiver are positioned opposite to each other across one of the plurality of the transversal holes in the stem.
 10. The system of claim 6, wherein the measurement unit further comprises an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of repetition the person performs for each set on a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between two consecutive sets.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the exercise data comprise the amounts of weight the person exercised, numbers of repetition the person performed for each set for a certain amount of weights, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between two consecutive sets, specific settings, another type of data, or any combination thereof, and wherein the specific settings comprise seat heights or orientations when the person exercised on an adjustable weight-stack machine.
 12. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a signal receiving device configured to receive signals, wherein the signals represent identification information of the person who exercises on the weight-stack machine, a processor configured to process the signals, the exercise data, and information associated with the weight-stack machine; a memory configured to store the signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine; and a communication device configured to transmit the signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine to a server, a device, or both.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the measurement unit, the signal receiving device, the processor, the memory, and the communication device are located in the weight-stack machine.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor comprises a microcontroller, wherein the signal receiving device comprise a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 networking device, a Cellular networking device, or another type of short range wireless communication device, and wherein the communication device comprises a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or another type of wireless communication device.
 15. A method, comprising: inserting a selection pin into one of a plurality of transversal channels of a weight-stack machine to select a certain amount of weights with which a person is to exercise, wherein the weight-stack machine comprises a plurality of weight plates, wherein each of the plurality of weight plates has a substantially vertical hole, wherein each of the plurality of weight plates has a transversal hole, and wherein, when the plurality of weight plates are aligned and stacked, a vertical channel is formed within the plurality of weight plates; and a stem, wherein the stem is housed within the vertical channel, wherein the stem has a plurality of transversal holes, and wherein the transversal hole in each of the plurality of weight plates aligns with one of the plurality of transversal holes in the stem such that the plurality of transversal channels are formed; and performing exercises on the weight-stack machine such that the desired amount of weights is lifted through the stem, wherein exercise data are measured by a measurement unit, wherein the measurement unit comprises a plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein each of the plurality of sub-measurement units comprises a proximity sensor, wherein each of the plurality of transversal holes in the bar is coupled to one of the plurality of sub-measurement units, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to detect presence of a nearby object, and wherein, when the person exercises, presence of a selection means is detected by the proximity sensor in one of the plurality of sub-measurement units and, as a result, the measurement unit is capable of determining the amount of weights with which the person exercises.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the proximity sensor comprises an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter produces radiation that is to be detected by the receiver, wherein the emitter comprises an infrared light emitter, and wherein the receiver comprises an infrared light receiver.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the measurement unit further comprises an accelerometer configured to measure numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person performed, numbers of sets, and lengths of rest periods between two consecutive sets.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the exercise data comprise the amounts of weight the person exercised, numbers of repetition for each set for a certain amount of weights with which the person performed, numbers of sets, lengths of rest periods between two consecutive sets, specific settings, another type of data, or any combination thereof, and wherein the specific settings comprise seat heights or orientations when the person performed an exercise on an adjustable weightstack machine.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein signals representing identification information of the person who exercises on the weight-stack machine are detected by a signal receiving device, wherein the signals, the exercise data, and information associated with the weight-stack machine are processed by a processor, wherein the signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine are stored in a memory, wherein the signals, the exercise data, and the information associated with the weight-stack machine are transmitted to a server, a device, or both, and wherein the measurement unit, the signal receiving device, the processor, the memory, and the communication device are located in the weight-stack machine.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the processor comprises a microcontroller, wherein the signal receiving device comprise a Bluetooth networking device, an IEEE 802.15.4 networking device, a Cellular networking device, or another type of short range wireless communication device, and wherein the communication device comprises a Wi-Fi device, an IEEE 802.15.4 device, or another type of wireless communication device. 